millennials and the bible report (barna, abs & intervarsity) · millennials & the bible...

MILLENNIALS & THE BIBLE 2014

A nationwide study of 18- to 30-year-olds

Research commissioned by American Bible Society New York, New York InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Madison, Wisconsin Research conducted by Barna Group Ventura, California

American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Copyright 2014 This information has been produced by Barna Group for American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The information is confidential and copyrighted information that belongs to Barna Group, American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and may not be reproduced in any form or format without their written permission.

BARNA GROUP

American Bible Society & InterVarsity Christian Fellowship | Millennials & the Bible 2014 3

REPORT CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................................................... 4 Data Tables

1. What Millennials Believe about the Bible ................... 5 2. How Millennials Perceive the Bible ............................12 3. Ways Millennials Engage the Bible .............................21 4. Screens and Millennials’ Bible Practices .....................46

Appendix I Key Questions by Bible Engagement Segment ...............50

Appendix II A. Additional Data Tables ...............................................70 B. Research Definitions ...................................................78 C. Methodology ...............................................................80 D. Guide to Survey Data ..................................................81

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INTRODUCTION

This report contains the findings from questions commissioned by the American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in a nationwide study of young adults, ages 18 to 30 conducted online. The study – known publicly as MillennialPollSM – is a shared-cost research study conducted by Barna Research (a division of Barna Group).

Organizations commission questions in MillennialPollSM on a pay-per-item basis, while Barna Research includes a variety of demographic and theolographic™ variables for cross-tabulation purposes. This study was conducted in August of 2014.

American Bible Society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship commissioned questions based on the following areas of interest:

• Participation on social justice and community issues • Viewership and perceptions of Bible-themed Hollywood productions • Moral truth • Perceptions of the Bible • Bible messaging • Bible engagement • Bible literacy

The remainder of this report provides a summary analysis of the survey data for these questions; a description of the survey methodology; and a summary of sampling error considerations. Detailed (cross-tabulated) data tables are provided in a separate document.

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DATA TABLES

1. WHAT MILLENNIALS BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE

Table 1.1 | Beliefs about the Bible Which of the following statement comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?

all

Millennials

practicing Christians non-practicing Christian

non-Christian all Protestant Catholic

The Bible is the actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for word. 21% 46% 41% 57% 20% 6%

The Bible is the inspired word of God and has no errors, although some verses are meant to be symbolic rather than literal.

27 39 49 28 34 10

The Bible is the inspired word of God but has some factual or historical errors. 17 11 7 11 24 11

The Bible was not inspired by God but tells how the writers of the Bible understood the ways and principles of God.

11 3 3 4 11 14

The Bible is just another book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice.

18 0 0 0 6 45

other 7 0 0 0 5 13 n= 998 218 99 53 433 347

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Table 1.1 | Beliefs about the Bible (cont’d) Which of the following statement comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?

all

Millennials InterVarsity

State of the Bible

Study

The Bible is the actual word of God and should be taken literally, word for word. 21% 8% 23%

The Bible is the inspired word of God and has no errors, although some verses are meant to be symbolic rather than literal.

27 79 30

The Bible is the inspired word of God but has some factual or historical errors. 17 9 15

The Bible was not inspired by God but tells how the writers of the Bible understood the ways and principles of God.

11 1 10

The Bible is just another book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice.

18 * 18

other 7 3 2 n= 998 1347 1982

*Indicates less than one-half of one percent

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Table 1.2 | Moral Truth Some people believe there are moral truths that are absolute, meaning those moral truths or principles do not change according to the circumstances. Other people believe moral truth always depends on the circumstances, meaning that their moral and ethical choices are based on each situation. How about you? Do you believe there are moral absolutes that are unchanging, or that moral truth always depends on the circumstances—or is this something you are not sure about?

all

Millennials



moral truth depends on circumstances 45% 23% 20% 25% 47% 58% moral truth is absolute 40 71 76 66 39 22 not sure / don’t know 14 6 4 9 14 20

n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347

Table 1.3 | Source of Moral Truth What is the main source from which you have learned or discovered absolute moral truths and standards?

base: believe moral truth is absolute all

Millennials



Bible 26% 39% 45% 26% 23% 7% parents: views/values they taught you 19 14 11 14 19 28 church 15 16 15 20 19 7 experiences you’ve had 9 8 5 8 7 13 feelings 8 4 5 5 9 16 friends; conversations, behavior 6 5 5 4 5 9 God speaking directly to you 6 4 7 0 7 5

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Table 1.3 | Source of Moral Truth (cont’d)

base: believe moral truth is absolute all

Millennials



society: preferences, traditions, norms 5 4 4 9 4 8 Golden Rule 3 1 0 6 5 3 media: TV, movies, publications 2 3 2 8 1 2 laws and public policies * 1 2 0 0 0 other 1 0 0 0 1 2

n= 402 155 74 36** 170 77 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Caution: small sample size

Table 1.4 | More Beliefs about the Bible The following are different statements about the Bible. Which comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible? (Choose one.)

all

Millennials



The Bible is a useful book of moral teachings. 30% 21% 16% 22% 35% 30%

The Bible is the inspired word of God. 15 22 27 20 18 8 The Bible is a dangerous book of religious dogma used for centuries to oppress people.

13 9 6 21 4 27

Table 1.4 | More Beliefs about the Bible (cont’d)

all

Millennials



The Bible, though flawed, points to God and his teachings for us 12 5 1 1 18 9

The Bible is inspiring and should be read by everyone. 11 17 13 21 14 5

The Bible is an outdated book with no relevance for today. 10 6 4 8 6 19

The Bible is the inerrant, infallible, living word of God. 8 21 34 7 6 4

n= 997 218 98 54 432 347

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Table 1.5 | Bible Translations and Interpretations Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Bible?

base: self-identified Christians all

Millennials

practicing Christians non-practicing Christian all Protestant Catholic

it's important to understand the original cultural context of the passage, verse or book.

agree strongly 46% 59% 66% 49% 38% agree somewhat 46 35 27 44 51 disagree somewhat 7 4 6 3 9 strongly disagree 1 1 0 4 2 single verses can stand alone and be useful

agree strongly 44 59 60 54 36

agree somewhat 47 37 35 37 51

disagree somewhat 8 5 5 9 10

strongly disagree 1 0 0 0 2 it's important to understand the original intention of the Bible’s writers

agree strongly 43 56 61 42 36

agree somewhat 45 36 33 55 51 disagree somewhat 10 7 4 3 12 strongly disagree 1 1 2 0 2

n= 571 200 96 44 356 verses should never be taken out of context

agree strongly 34 49 56 50 26 agree somewhat 44 36 32 36 48

disagree somewhat 19 13 10 14 22

strongly disagree 3 2 2 0 3

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Table 1.5 | Bible Translations and Interpretations (cont’d)


Millennials


all Scripture must be read with some kind of guidance to understand what it really means

agree strongly 33% 50% 49% 50% 24% agree somewhat 47 36 33 43 53 disagree somewhat 17 11 14 7 21 strongly disagree 3 3 4 0 3 the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life

agree strongly 32 67 75 53 29 agree somewhat 29 29 25 39 38 disagree somewhat 21 3 0 6 24

strongly disagree 18 1 0 2 8 the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves

agree strongly 30 48 41 63 30 agree somewhat 40 33 30 28 47 disagree somewhat 18 9 13 4 17 strongly disagree 13 10 17 4 6 some translations are problematic because they don’t reflect the original intent of the writers

agree strongly 27 36 38 44 23 agree somewhat 48 38 36 41 54 disagree somewhat 20 19 18 13 20 strongly disagree 5 7 7 2 4

n= 571 200 96 44 356

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Table 1.5 | Bible Translations and Interpretations (cont’d)


Millennials


Bible translations don’t affect the truth of the Bible

agree strongly 22% 33% 31% 47% 16% agree somewhat 37 35 38 33 39 disagree somewhat 30 21 23 15 35 strongly disagree 11 11 9 5 11 the Bible is only truly accurate in its original languages

agree strongly 21 29 29 35 18 agree somewhat 38 33 23 37 41 disagree somewhat 28 24 29 21 30 strongly disagree 13 15 19 7 11 the Bible can only be correctly interpreted by people who have years of intense training in theology

agree strongly 15 29 21 41 11 agree somewhat 30 28 25 34 39 disagree somewhat 27 21 22 16 30 strongly disagree 27 23 32 9 19

n= 571 200 96 44 356

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2. HOW MILLENNIALS PERCEIVE THE BIBLE

Table 2.1 | Adjectives to Describe the Bible Which words best reflect your beliefs about the Christian Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

all

Millennials



historical 41% 47% 57% 38% 47% 30% symbolic 38 35 42 34 42 36 story 38 31 32 33 33 50 sacred 32 52 55 52 38 12 testimony 31 53 63 44 37 11 fact 29 63 67 55 27 10 book of rules 28 36 38 33 31 20 revelation 26 46 50 48 29 8 mythology 22 14 17 5 14 38 fairy tale 15 7 5 8 7 30 authoritative 14 27 32 23 12 8 dogmatic 10 11 11 13 8 11 propaganda 10 8 9 3 4 19 manifesto 9 14 10 21 9 5 infallible 8 20 27 15 5 3 inerrant 6 14 20 9 5 2

n= 995 219 99 54 434 342 • *

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Table 2.2 | Main Messages of the Bible What would you say are the two or three main messages of the Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

all

Millennials



There is only one God. 39% 53% 57% 54% 38% 32% Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 35 18 16 19 42 36

Humans are sinful and require forgiveness and redemption. 32 29 40 21 32 35

Jesus is the only way to eternal life. 28 46 59 37 26 19 God helps those who help themselves. 25 24 16 34 26 23 You can discover freedom, hope, and joy. 24 27 22 27 26 18 Humans need God. 23 31 22 37 22 18 This is how you can live well and obey God. 21 22 21 27 21 20

Here is the way to get to heaven. 17 21 23 14 14 17 other 4 0 0 0 1 9

n= 997 219 99 54 433 344 •

Table 2.3 | Reason for Bible Reading Below are a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please indicate which statement is most true for you. I read the Bible because . . .

base: read Bible at least three or four times a year

all Millennials



It brings me closer to God. 32% 43% 48% 35% 25% 21% I need comfort. 14 11 4 21 18 9 I live better when I read it. 12 14 11 23 11 10 It changes me personally. 11 9 10 11 12 15 I know I’m supposed to. 9 9 8 10 9 8 My day is different when I read the Bible. 7 5 6 0 9 4 I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction. 5 4 5 0 6 7

It is part of my studies at school. 3 3 6 0 4 4 don’t know 3 1 2 0 5 7

n= 440 188 93 40 196 56

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Table 2.3 | Reason for Bible Reading (cont’d)


all Millennials

State of the Bible Study *

It brings me closer to God. 32% 56% I need comfort. 14 15 I live better when I read it. 12 NA It changes me personally. 11 NA I know I’m supposed to. 9 4 My day is different when I read the Bible. 7 NA I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction. 5 17

It is part of my studies at school. 3 3 don’t know 3 4

n= 440 590 *Note: American Bible Society phone survey only

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Table 2.4 | Bible Reading Compared to Other Spiritual Disciplines How important is personal Bible reading compared to the following spiritual disciplines?

base: have ever read the Bible all

Millennials



church attendance more 38% 55% 52% 61% 31% 27% less 22 12 9 14 27 26 equal 40 34 39 25 42 47

silence / solitude more 37 50 47 52 33 28 less 26 21 20 25 28 29 equal 37 30 33 23 39 43

prayer

more 37% 49% 45% 48% 32% 28% less 19 12 8 26 21 26 equal 44 39 47 26 47 47 worship more 36 51 46 50 31 26 less 20 10 6 22 25 23 equal 44 39 48 28 44 51

acts of service more 35 48 43 50 29 27 less 25 15 12 24 29 32 equal 40 37 44 26 42 40 communion or Eucharist more 35 44 44 48 30 32 less 27 22 14 30 29 29 equal 38 34 43 22 41 39

evangelism more 32 42 34 54 27 28 less 28 20 21 19 32 30 equal 40 38 46 27 41 41

n= 669 211 98 51 327 128

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Table 2.5 | Reading Bible in Public What do you think when you see someone reading the Bible in public? (Mark all that apply.)

Table 2.5 | Reading Bible in Public (cont’d)

all

Millennials



I am happy to see other Christians around. 29% 57% 69% 38% 33% 7% I feel encouraged. 29 57 67 46 32 7 I feel joyful 27 56 59 51 29 7 I feel grateful to see that sacred books are still important to people. 26 44 48 52 28 11

It reminds me to read my own Bible. 24 53 57 49 25 6 I feel like they are a kindred spirit. 18 34 37 36 19 8 I assume the person is politically conservative. 15 13 11 17 10 22

I feel like stopping and saying hello. 12 23 27 15 11 7 I suspect the person is trying to make a statement or be provocative. 12 11 10 8 10 15

I think the person is old-fashioned. 12 10 5 17 9 17 I figure I don’t have anything in common with the person. 12 8 4 15 6 21

I feel curious about what’s in the Bible. 11 14 13 18 11 9

all

Millennials



I think they should read the Bible in private. 10 9 1 15 9 13

I think the person is naïve. 8 5 2 9 6 14 I feel uncomfortable. 8 2 2 3 7 14 I get embarrassed for them. 6 8 2 18 5 7 I feel guilty. 6 10 10 12 7 3 none of these 19 3 3 2 19 28

n= 998 219 99 54 433 346

BARNA GROUP


Table 2.6 | Biblical Support for Current Issues There are some attitudes and behaviors that are specifically addressed in the Bible, while other behaviors are not addressed. For each one of the following, please indicate whether or not you feel the Bible encourages or discourages each action – or if you feel the Bible is silent on this issue.

all

Millennials



forgiveness encourages 78% 85% 87% 83% 82% 70% discourages 6 5 5 7 5 9 silent 6 4 3 6 6 8 don't know 9 6 6 4 8 14 patience encourages 76 88 89 84 81 62 discourages 7 6 6 6 5 9 silent 7 3 2 5 6 12 don't know 10 3 3 5 8 17 generosity encourages 75 86 90 82 78 64 discourages 7 4 2 6 6 10 silent 8 5 4 6 8 9 don't know 11 5 5 6 8 17

social justice encourages 52 69 61 88 52 41 discourages 14 10 16 3 13 17 silent 15 8 5 8 17 18 don't know 20 13 17 2 19 25 war encourages 18 20 16 28 10 25 discourages 49 52 50 55 55 39 silent 14 13 15 6 17 12 don't know 19 15 19 11 17 24

n= 990 218 99 54 427 345

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Table 2.6 | Biblical Support for Current Issues (cont’d)

all

Millennials



slavery encourages 18% 13% 8% 19% 12% 27% discourages 46 58 59 57 50 34 silent 17 13 14 11 21 16 don't know 19 15 19 12 16 23 prostitution encourages 9 12 8 20 8 9 discourages 61 66 69 59 66 52 silent 14 12 11 18 14 15 don't know 15 10 13 3 12 24

homosexual or same-sex relationships encourages 8 17 13 27 5 5 discourages 55 56 64 45 55 55 silent 22 15 12 18 25 22 don't know 15 11 10 10 14 19

gambling encourages 8 13 9 19 8 6 discourages 59 61 65 50 63 54 silent 16 14 13 14 16 17 don't know 16 13 13 17 13 22 pornography encourages 7 11 6 21 6 6 discourages 56 61 67 47 58 49 silent 21 17 17 18 24 20 don't know 16 11 10 14 12 24

n= 990 218 99 54 427 345

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all

Millennials*

State of the Bible Study **

forgiveness encourages 87% 91% discourages 7 3 silent 7 6 generosity

encourages 84 88 discourages 8 5 silent 9 7

patience encourages 84 89 discourages 7 3 silent 8 8

social justice encourages 64 NA discourages 17 NA silent 19 NA war encourages 22 20 discourages 60 62 silent 18 18

slavery encourages 22 15 discourages 57 60 silent 21 26 prostitution

encourages 11 3 discourages 73 82 silent 17 15

n= 800 1024 * ”Not sure” has been removed from the base of respondents in the MillennialPoll for comparisons to the American Bible Society data.

**Note: American Bible Society online survey only

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all

Millennials*


gambling encourages 10% 3% discourages 71 74 silent 19 23

pornography encourages 9 1 discourages 66 65 silent 25 34

homosexual or same-sex relationships encourages 9 3 discourages 65 76 silent 26 21

n= 800 1024 * ”Not sure” has been removed from the base of respondents in the MillennialPoll for comparisons to the American Bible Society data. **Note: American Bible Society online survey only

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3. WAYS MILLENNIALS ENGAGE THE BIBLE

Table 3.1 | Bible Reading Frequency How often, if ever, do you actually read the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?

all

Millennials InterVarsity* State of the Bible

Study

never 32% 2% 26% less than once a year 16 1 9 once or twice a year 8 2 11 three or four times a year 8 3 8 once a month 9 7 8 once a week 9 16 9 several times a week 7 25 9 four or more times a week 5 24 5 every day 5 22 15

n= 1000 1350 2036 *Note: Wording for IVCF survey was: How often, if ever, do you read or listen to the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?

all

Millennials



never 32% 2% 0% 4% 23% 62% less than once a year 16 6 3 9 22 15 once or twice a year 8 7 2 13 9 7 three or four times a year 8 6 3 11 13 4 once a month 9 12 13 9 12 4 once a week 9 22 25 18 8 2 several times a week 7 19 16 15 5 2 four or more times a week 5 11 15 7 4 3 every day 5 16 22 14 3 2

n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347

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Table 3.2 | Hear Bible Read Aloud How often, if ever, do you hear the Bible read aloud when you attend a church service or Mass?


Millennials



never 15% 3% 3% 1% 22% 22% less than once a year 9 2 1 7 13 0 once or twice a year 7 3 4 2 10 0 three or four times a year 9 3 3 5 12 0 once a month 13 14 14 14 14 4 once a week 26 43 38 48 16 39 several times a week 11 19 25 12 6 35 every day 4 5 5 6 4 0

n= 573 200 96 44 358 15

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Table 3.3 | Time Spent Reading Bible at Each Sitting What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible at each sitting?

base: read the Bible at least three or four times a year

all Millennials InterVarsity*


less than 15 minutes 23% 38% 15%

15-29 minutes 26 40 26

30-44 minutes 28 16 30

45-59 minutes 8 2 7

more than 1 hour 16 4 22

median 30 15 30

n= 441 1350 1012 *Note: wording for IVCF survey was as follows: What is the average amount of time you spend reading the Bible each time you use it?” and was asked among the entire population segment. **Note: American Bible Society phone survey only

base: read the Bible at least three or four times a year

all Millennials



less than 15 minutes 23% 21% 26% 11% 22% 31%

15-29 minutes 26 25 28 27 27 27

30-44 minutes 28 30 19 52 26 28

45-59 minutes 8 10 8 10 7 5

more than 1 hour 16 15 19 0 19 10

median 30 30 20 30 30 20

n= 441 188 93 40 197 56

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Table 3.4 | Engagement with the Bible Thinking about your Bible reading in the past month, how did you usually engage with the Bible?

base: read Bible three or four times a year all

Millennials



read it by myself most 54% 64% 60% 61% 47% 35% some 30 28 32 22 30 41 a little 12 7 5 17 17 16 none 4 2 3 0 6 8 heard it read out loud at church most 41 50 50 37 34 26 some 36 38 39 45 33 39 a little 13 11 8 18 15 17 none 10 1 3 0 18 18

prayed about what I read most 33 39 34 41 24 35 some 39 41 41 42 38 38 a little 18 16 19 13 22 12 none 10 5 6 4 15 15

discussed it with friends or family most 31 40 34 39 21 29 some 34 31 31 33 36 38 a little 26 22 26 22 31 24 none 9 7 9 6 11 10 read it with a devotional most 29 35 30 30 21 32 some 36 39 36 47 38 18 a little 16 12 15 9 18 23 none 19 14 19 14 23 27

n= 356 174 89 33* 138 42 * Caution: small sample size. **Note: A similar question was asked in the IVCF survey, yet not similar enough to show a table for: “Which of the following ways of using the Bible have you used in the past month (Mark all that apply?)” The top answer was studying the Bible with others (85%), reading/listening to the Bible with others (79%), studying the Bible by yourself (74%).

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Table 3.4 | Engagement with the Bible (cont’d)


Millennials



made notes or underlined verses most 28% 35% 27% 40% 19% 30% some 36 31 31 32 43 33 a little 18 20 23 15 16 13 none 18 14 19 13 22 24 as part of a one-year plan to read full Bible

most 27 34 30 41 21 18 some 31 28 27 26 35 28 a little 18 17 15 19 18 23 none 24 21 28 13 25 31 read it in conjunction with a liturgy or prayer

most 27 29 19 48 23 30 some 36 40 40 40 34 24 a little 15 12 11 5 19 17 none 22 20 29 7 24 30 memorized Scripture most 26 30 26 38 21 22 some 35 37 29 43 31 40 a little 22 19 26 6 26 25 none 17 14 20 13 22 13 read it with a commentary or Bible resource

most 24 27 24 33 18 27 some 40 41 39 44 41 36 a little 11 9 9 12 14 10 none 25 23 29 11 27 27

n= 356 172 89 33* 138 41 * Caution: small sample size.

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Table 3.4 | Engagement with Bible (cont’d)


Millennials



with a small group most 21% 28% 21% 44% 13% 21% some 35 30 31 26 42 30 a little 21 25 24 22 17 18 none 23 17 25 7 27 31

n= 356 172 89 33* 138 41 * Caution: small sample size.

Table 3.5 | Setting for Reading Bible In which setting do you most often read the Bible?


all Millennials



home 64% 65% 66% 55% 67% 52% at church 19 22 21 25 18 13 nature 5 5 6 6 4 6 office 3 2 2 2 4 3 park 2 2 1 3 1 6 coffee shop 2 2 2 0 1 5 at small group 2 1 0 0 3 2 library 2 2 1 5 1 9 in transit 1 1 0 3 1 2 some other location * 0 0 0 0 2

n= 441 188 93 40 197 56 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent

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Table 3.5 | Setting for Reading Bible (cont’d)


all Millennials InterVarsity**

home 64% 75% at church 19 3 nature 5 4 office 3 1 coffee shop 2 2 park 2 * library 2 * at small group 2 NA in transit 1 2 some other location (specify) 0 1

n= 441 1350 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Note: wording for IVCF survey was as follows: In what settings do you most often have devotional times?

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Table 3.6 | Approaches to Reading the Bible When you read the Bible, how often do you use the following approaches?


Millennials



in search of a specific verse or verses often 32% 40% 43% 34% 29% 26% sometimes 42 43 44 55 44 34 rarely 15 13 8 9 17 15 never 11 4 4 3 10 24 as you feel led by the Spirit often 30 48 45 49 23 17 sometimes 35 38 40 37 38 21 rarely 16 10 12 7 20 16 never 19 4 3 7 18 46

one book at a time often 29 39 44 41 23 25 sometimes 37 42 37 34 36 32 rarely 19 11 10 21 26 16 never 15 8 9 4 15 27

from front to back often 28 41 44 28 20 26 sometimes 30 31 21 47 31 28 rarely 21 18 21 13 24 21 never 21 11 13 11 25 26 with a devotional often 22 35 40 39 16 16 sometimes 37 44 35 51 39 22 rarely 21 16 16 8 26 13 never 20 6 10 1 19 49

n= 671 212 97 50 327 129

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.6 | Approaches to Reading the Bible (cont’d)


Millennials



chronologically often 21% 36% 28% 48% 12% 19% sometimes 38 36 39 34 41 32 rarely 22 17 19 11 28 16 never 19 12 14 7 18 33 as part of a guided plan (like a one-year plan)

often 21 33 34 34 16 11 sometimes 31 39 30 41 29 22 rarely 23 16 18 11 29 21 never 26 12 18 13 27 45

n= 671 212 97 50 327 129

Table 3.7 | Parts of the Bible Read Most What parts of the Bible do you read most often? (Mark all that apply).


Millennials



all 37% 51% 51% 63% 29% 35% New Testament 30 29 35 26 34 22 Old Testament 30 26 19 39 31 34 Psalms 27 29 25 27 29 19 Proverbs 21 24 22 22 18 23 Prophets 16 18 17 26 13 20 Gospels 15 19 15 23 14 12 Revelation 12 10 7 9 11 15 Books of the Law (or Pentateuch or Torah) 11 10 5 21 11 12 Epistles or Letters of the New Testament 6 7 6 13 5 5

n= 678 216 99 52 332 130

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.8 | Desire to Read the Bible Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not?

Table 3.8 | Desire to Read the Bible (cont’d)

all

Millennials


yes 54% 62% no 34 36 don't know 12 2


Table 3.9 | Changes to Bible Usage Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the same as one year ago?

all

Millennials



stayed the same 55% 33% 33% 35% 56% 66% increased 26 59 56 63 23 11 decreased 15 7 9 1 18 17 not sure 4 1 2 1 3 7

n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347

all

Millennials



yes 54% 92% 91% 94% 65% 17% no 34 5 5 6 19 71 don't know 12 2 4 0 16 12

n= 996 219 99 54 434 343

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.10 | Increase in Bible Engagement What do you think caused the increase in your Bible engagement? (Check all that apply.)

base: personal use of the Bible has increased compared to one year ago

all Millennials



I came to understand it as an important part of my faith journey. 41% 44% 39% 39% 36% 43%

I saw how the Bible changed someone I know for the better. 31 34 33 36 28 27

I had a significant change in my life (marriage, birth of a child, etc.). 29 30 33 30 31 17

I downloaded the Bible onto my smartphone or tablet. 29 28 28 22 32 23

I went to a church where the Bible became more accessible to me. 28 35 29 55 21 22

A difficult experience in my life caused me to search the Bible for direction and answers

28 28 25 24 30 21

I had a conversation with a Christian friend. 27 26 20 36 25 37

I followed media conversations about religion and spirituality. 26 29 26 29 25 19

I watched The Bible mini-series on television. 24 28 26 25 19 21

I joined a group that used the Bible when they met. 22 22 16 23 26 11

I listened to a church podcast/church streaming. 22 21 15 22 26 18

Someone I know asked me to read the Bible with them. 19 23 21 32 16 13

other 3 2 5 0 2 7 not sure 4 1 3 0 6 5

n= 264 129 56 34* 98 37* *Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.10 | Increase in Bible Engagement (cont’d)

base: personal use of the Bible has increased compared to one year ago

all Millennials

State of the Bible*

I came to understand it as an important part of my faith journey. 41% 53%

I saw how the Bible changed someone I know for the better. 31 15

I downloaded the Bible onto my smartphone or tablet. 29 26

I had a significant change in my life (marriage, birth of a child, etc.). 29 17

I followed media conversations about religion and spirituality. 26 14

A difficult experience in my life caused me to search the Bible for direction and answers

28 41

I went to a church where the Bible became more accessible to me. 28 13

I had a conversation with a Christian friend. 27 11

I watched The Bible mini-series on television. 24 11

I joined a group that used the Bible when they met. 22 13

I listened to a church podcast/church streaming. 22 12

Someone I know asked me to read the Bible with them. 19 15

other 3 17 not sure 4 NA

n= 264 119 *Note: American Bible Society online survey only

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.11 | Decrease in Bible Engagement What do you think caused the decrease in your Bible engagement? (Check all that apply.)

base: personal use of the Bible has decreased compared to one year ago

all Millennials



I got too busy with life’s responsibilities (job, family, etc.) 39% NA NA NA 49% 18%

I became atheist or agnostic. 21 NA NA NA 6 46 I had a significant change in my life (loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc.) 18 NA NA NA 21 10

A difficult experience in my life caused me to doubt my faith (or God and the Bible). 13 NA NA NA 13 13

I decided to leave the church altogether. 13 NA NA NA 9 20 I saw how reading the Bible made very little difference in the life of someone I know.

9 NA NA NA 8 11

I converted to another faith. 8 NA NA NA 4 13 I followed media discussions around religion and spirituality. 8 NA NA NA 8 10

I had conversation with a non-Christian friend. 7 NA NA NA 9 4

other 8 NA NA NA 6 13 not sure 11 NA NA NA 13 7

n= 152 15* 9* 1* 79 58 * sample size is too small for segmentation

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.11 | Decrease in Bible Engagement (cont’d)

base: personal use of the Bible has decreased compared to one year ago

all Millennials


I got too busy with life’s responsibilities (job, family, etc.) 39% 40%

I became atheist or agnostic. 21 15 I had a significant change in my life (loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc.) 18 17

A difficult experience in my life caused me to doubt my faith (or God and the Bible). 13 13

I decided to leave the church altogether. 13 4 I saw how reading the Bible made very little difference in the life of someone I know.

9 8

I converted to another faith. 8 4 I followed media discussions around religion and spirituality. 8 1

I had conversation with a non-Christian friend. 7 NA

other 8 16 not sure 11 NA

n= 152 93 *Note: American Bible Society online survey only

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.12 | Motivation for Reading Bible How much do each of the following motivate you when it comes to reading the Bible?

base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year

all Millennials



desire to learn more about God often 56% 72% 75% 70% 46% 38% sometimes 37 25 24 30 47 47 rarely 4 2 1 0 5 7 never 2 1 0 0 2 8 seeking guidance and wisdom often 54 67 68 62 45 38 sometimes 36 29 30 30 44 31 rarely 8 3 2 5 8 20 never 3 1 0 2 2 11

need for God’s help often 52 59 63 52 46 48 sometimes 35 33 32 40 41 22 rarely 9 6 4 6 11 13 never 3 1 0 2 1 17

desire for joy often 40 55 54 50 30 27 sometimes 42 36 38 46 48 41 rarely 12 8 8 2 15 14 never 6 1 1 2 6 17 need for healing often 38 47 43 46 32 26 sometimes 42 39 40 43 46 39 rarely 15 12 15 9 17 16 never 5 2 3 2 4 19

n= 434 184 91 38* 193 55 * Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.12 | Motivation for Reading Bible (cont’d)

base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year

all Millennials



discipline

often 36% 44% 48% 34% 32% 22%

sometimes 41 39 34 50 43 38

rarely 15 12 12 14 15 28

never 9 6 6 2 10 12

habit often 31 39 37 33 24 27 sometimes 38 38 38 50 40 35

rarely 19 17 17 12 21 21

never 11 6 8 4 15 17

obligation often 26 33 34 39 20 23 sometimes 33 29 28 36 38 33 rarely 21 20 17 18 23 20 never 20 19 21 7 19 24 as a requirement for small group or class

often 25 31 26 43 20 28 sometimes 29 30 28 27 29 24 rarely 22 19 20 19 23 28 never 24 20 26 11 28 21

guilt often 23 29 24 37 18 21 sometimes 32 31 31 34 36 24 rarely 24 20 23 21 26 29 never 21 20 22 9 20 25

n= 434 184 91 38* 193 55 * Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP



base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year (Millennials)


desire to learn more about God

often 56% NA sometimes 37 NA rarely 4 NA never 2 NA

seeking guidance and wisdom often 54 70 sometimes 36 27 rarely 8 3 never 3 * need for God’s help often 52 68 sometimes 35 29 rarely 9 3 never 3 * desire for joy often 40 49 sometimes 42 39 rarely 12 11 never 6 2

need for healing often 38 35 sometimes 42 40 rarely 15 21 never 5 4

n= 434 1350 * Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Note: Wording for IVCF survey was as follows: How much do each of the following motivate you when it comes to growing spiritually?

BARNA GROUP



base: read the Bible at least 3-4 times a year (Millennials)


discipline often 36% 26% sometimes 41 49 rarely 15 21 never 9 5

habit often 31 20% sometimes 38 46 rarely 19 26 never 11 8 obligation

often 26 10 sometimes 33 37 rarely 21 40 never 20 13 as a requirement for small group or class

often 25 NA sometimes 29 NA rarely 22 NA never 24 NA guilt often 23 11 sometimes 32 39 rarely 24 38 never 21 12

n= 434 1350 * Indicates less than one-half of one percent **Note: Wording for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship survey was as follows: How much do each of the following motivate you when it comes to growing spiritually?

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.13 | Frustration with Bible Reading Which of the following would you say is your most significant frustration when it comes to reading the Bible?

all

Millennials


You never seem to have enough time to read it. 19% 35%

You do not read the Bible. 19 6 You don’t feel that excited about reading it. 15 10 You find the language difficult to relate to. 13 11 You don’t understand the background or the history of the Bible. 9 7

You can never find the stories or verses you are looking for. 4 7

none / no frustrations 3 17 other 17 4


all

Millennials



You never seem to have enough time to read it. 19% 33% 28% 37% 22% 7%

You do not read the Bible. 19 1 1 1 10 42 You find the language difficult to relate to. 13 13 18 16 17 8 You don’t feel that excited about reading it. 15 9 10 9 19 15 You don’t understand the background or the history of the Bible. 9 13 11 13 11 5

You can never find the stories or verses you are looking for. 4 6 7 3 3 3

none / no frustrations 3 2 2 1 3 4 other 17 23 24 19 15 16

n= 998 218 98 54 433 346

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.14 | Resources for Understanding the Bible What do you do when you read something in the Bible that you don’t understand or don’t agree with? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)


Millennials



I do research on the passage in commentaries or study guides. 32% 40% 38% 52% 27% 30%

I pray about it. 31 44 53 34 27 19 I ask a pastor or church leader. 28 45 52 35 21 16 I go online to read what other people think about those passages. 24 25 28 19 24 21

I ignore it or move on. 20 13 8 24 20 34 I don’t feel like I have to believe every part of the Bible. 19 8 8 7 22 30

I don’t have to understand everything, so I accept it as true. 16 17 23 12 16 13

It makes me doubt God. 10 12 8 17 8 11 n= 679 216 99 52 332 131

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.15 | Spiritual Disciplines in Past Month Of the following list of spiritual disciplines, which (if any) have you done in the last 30 days?

base: self-id Christians all

Millennials



prayer 70% 81% 84% 82% 63% NA worship 40 59 69 55 27 NA reading or studying the Bible 34 50 58 44 23 NA serving someone else or volunteering 26 30 39 23 22 NA talking about faith with a non-Christian 22 29 35 17 18 NA solitude/silence 18 19 22 18 16 NA accountability or confession 17 25 29 32 13 NA Sabbath (regular practice of resting from work and responsibilities) 17 20 19 23 14 NA

fasting from food 13 21 14 31 8 NA fasting from electronics 9 12 7 19 8 NA other * 1 2 0 0 NA none of these 9 1 3 0 14 NA

n= 573 200 96 44 358 15 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.15 | Spiritual Disciplines in Past Month (cont’d)

base: self-id Christians (Millennials) all


prayer 70% 99% worship 40 94 reading or studying the Bible 34 94 solitude/silence 18 64 serving someone else or volunteering 26 67 talking about faith with a non-Christian 22 60 accountability or confession 17 53 Sabbath (regular practice of resting from work and responsibilities) 17 44

fasting from food 13 12 fasting from electronics 9 9 other * 6 none of these 9 *

n= 573 1349

Table 3.16 | Most Practiced Spiritual Disciplines Which two (if any) have you practiced most often in the last month?

base: mentioned two or more disciplines in previous question

all Millennials


non-Christian all Catholic Protestant

prayer 63% 67% 70% 68% 58% NA worship 27 37 42 24 18 NA reading or using the Bible 25 30 35 19 22 NA serving someone else / volunteering 13 11 7 14 14 NA sharing your faith / evangelism 13 10 8 10 16 NA Sabbath – taking time off from daily or weekly routines 9 8 8 9 7 NA

solitude & silence 8 5 4 5 11 NA accountability / confession 7 5 3 10 10 NA fasting from electronics 6 3 0 2 9 NA fasting from food 5 7 5 9 3 NA other 1 0 1 0 1 NA

n= 272 134 69 33* 127 11

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.16 | Most Practiced Spiritual Disciplines (cont’d)

base: mentioned two or more disciplines in previous question

all Millennials InterVarsity

prayer 63% 73% worship 27 33 reading or using the Bible 25 54 serving someone else / volunteering 13 13 sharing your faith / evangelism 13 5 Sabbath – taking time off from daily or weekly routines 9 5

solitude & silence 8 6 accountability / confession 7 4 fasting from electronics 6 * fasting from food 5 1 other 1 *

n= 272 1333 *indicates less than one-half of one percent

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.17 | Religious Activities in Past Week Now I'm going to list some activities. Please tell me which, if any, of these activities you have done during the past week.

% who participated in each event in the past week

all Millennials



pray to God 62% 96% 98% 98% 75% 23% read from the Bible, not including when you were at a church or synagogue 37 85 87 79 30 14

attend a church service, not including a special event such as a wedding or funeral 36 88 91 96 28 13

n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347


all Millennials

Inter Varsity**


read from the Bible, not including when you were at a church or synagogue 37% 98% 42%

pray to God 62 98 78 attend a church service, not including a special event such as a wedding or funeral 36 76 41

n= 1000 1347 1012 *Note: American Bible Society phone survey only

** Questions in this series are compared to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s wording as follows: Bible reading: How often, if ever, do you read or listen to the Bible, not including times when you are at a church service or church event?

Prayer: How many times did you pray alone, not including meal prayers, in the last week? Attend Church: When was the last time you attended a Christian church service, other than for a holiday service, such as Christmas or Easter, or for special events such as a wedding or funeral?

BARNA GROUP


Table 3.18 | Self-Descriptions

To start with, which of the following describe you?

all

Millennials



want to make a difference with your life 89% 89% 93% 94% 87% 93% actively contribute to the common good of your community. 61 78 76 69 63 48

you are a Christian 57 91 97 82 83 4 donated to a non-profit that focuses on social justice 38 55 49 65 37 27

n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347

all

Millennials U.S. adults**

want to make a difference with your life 89% 89% actively contribute to the common good of your community. 61 87***

you are a Christian*** 57 78% donated to a non-profit that focuses on social justice 38 NA

n= 1000 1005 / 2036 **BarnaPoll conducted in August 2008 by telephone with 1,005 U.S. adults nationwide. *** Wording in 2008 study did not include the word “actively.”

BARNA GROUP


4. SCREENS AND MILLENNIALS’ BIBLE

PRACTICES

Table 4.1 | Bible as Hollywood Entertainment Which of the following best reflects your opinion of recent Bible-‐themed Hollywood productions?

all

Millennials



I appreciate the Bible being incorporated into entertainment today. 49% 77% 73% 81% 56% 21% I think Hollywood is just trying to make money. 36 10 10 11 31 58 I don’t think it is good for the Bible because the depictions are often not entirely accurate. 16 13 17 7 13 21

n= 993 219 99 54 429 346

Table 4.2 | Movies Viewed Now which of the following movies have you watched, whether in a movie theater, at home or in another location? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

all

Millennials



any episodes of The Bible miniseries on the History Channel 24% 48% 56% 48% 24% 10%

God’s Not Dead 22 40 36 40 21 11 Heaven Is for Real 29 48 45 55 32 13 Noah 39 62 53 62 40 24 Son of God 28 48 40 61 28 15 none of these 42 14 15 18 40 62

n= 993 219 99 54 429 346

BARNA GROUP


Table 4.3 | Bible Reading Formats These days, the Bible is available and used in different formats. For each of the following formats, please indicate whether or not you have used that format in the past year.


all Millennials



read from a print version of the Bible on your own 81% 86% 88% 87% 76% 78%

heard the Bible read in a worship service or mass 78 89 94 83 71 68

used the Internet on a computer to read Bible content 66 71 72 70 63 60

searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell phone 66 76 73 76 59 53

attended a small group or Bible study, where you studied the Bible in a group, not including weekend worship services

59 71 72 65 49 52

read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as Kindle or iPad 51 58 54 55 45 48

listened to a teaching about the Bible via podcast 45 55 50 64 39 35

listened to an audio version of the Bible 43 55 49 74 35 31 n= 437 187 92 39* 193 54

* Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table 4.3 | Bible Reading Formats (cont’d)


All Millennials


read from a print version of the Bible on your own 81% 89%

heard the Bible read in a worship service or mass 78 NA

used the Internet on a computer to read Bible content 66 44

searched for Bible verses or Bible content on a smart phone or cell phone 66 35

attended a small group or Bible study, where you studied the Bible in a group, not including weekend worship services

59 44

read an electronic version of the Bible on an e-reader such as Kindle or iPad 51 24

listened to a teaching about the Bible via podcast 45 29

listened to an audio version of the Bible 43 25 n= 437 1012

* Note: American Bible Society phone survey only

Table 4.4 | Posting Bible Verses on Social Media How often do you quote or post Scripture online (on a blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.)?


Millennials



never 41% 19% 18% 19% 52% NA a few times a year 26 30 34 27 23 NA a few times a month 17 25 26 26 13 NA a few times a week 9 13 9 13 8 NA daily or more often 7 13 12 16 4 NA

n= 573 200 96 44 358 15

BARNA GROUP


Table 4.5 | Impressions of Others Quoting the Bible on Social Media What do you think when you see other people quote Scripture in their social media or blogs?

all

Millennials



I think it’s okay sometimes if you are religious. 29% 22% 17% 28% 28% 33%

It encourages me. 27 56 63 43 27 7 It inspires me. 27 53 60 41 29 9 It’s fine when verses are used in context. 27 27 25 28 30 24 It bothers me if they use verses naively or out of context. 25 20 20 19 21 35

I think it’s bold (in a good way). 22 35 42 25 24 11 I find it irritating. 18 12 7 21 12 30 They are trying to evangelize. 17 18 21 17 13 21 They are judgmental. 15 10 9 18 11 24 They will push others away. 13 12 11 15 10 18 I think that person is wrong. 8 9 7 14 7 10 That person is strange. 8 8 7 9 7 10

n= 991 218 99 53 431 343

BARNA GROUP


APPENDIX I: KEY QUESTIONS BY BIBLE ENGAGEMENT SEGMENT

Table A | Adjectives Describing the Bible Which words best reflect your beliefs about the Christian Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics

Bible friendly: medium

Bible friendly:

light

historical 41% 43% 49% 47% 23% 49% 48% story 38 42 27 39 53 29 26 symbolic 38 32 34 52 31 33 35 sacred 32 42 45 33 9 50 42 testimony 31 53 45 27 7 47 44 fact 29 56 48 14 4 59 42 book of rules 28 34 36 26 17 43 32 revelation 26 50 37 20 4 47 31 mythology 22 17 12 23 38 11 13 fairy tale 15 12 7 5 38 7 7 authoritative 14 28 20 8 6 29 14 dogmatic 10 18 8 8 10 9 8 propaganda 10 8 4 7 25 3 5 manifesto 9 15 11 7 4 15 8 infallible 8 28 11 2 1 18 6 inerrant 6 22 7 3 0 12 4

n= 995 99 373 264 230 138 235

BARNA GROUP


Table B | More Beliefs About the Bible The following are different statements about the Bible. Which comes closest to describing what you believe about the Bible?

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

The Bible is a useful book of moral teachings. 30% 13% 27% 44% 26% 19% 31% The Bible is the inspired word of God. 15 13 25 10 8 29 22 The Bible is a dangerous book of religious dogma used for centuries to oppress people. 13 17 5 4 32 8 4 The Bible, though flawed, points to God and his teachings for us 12 4 7 27 7 5 8 The Bible is inspiring and should be read by everyone. 11 16 16 10 2 13 18 The Bible is an outdated book with no relevance for today. 10 11 8 3 22 7 9 The Bible is the inerrant, infallible, living word of God. 8 26 13 1 3 19 9

n= 997 100 378 269 249 139 239

BARNA GROUP


Table C | Bible Translation and Interpretation Do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Bible?


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

it's important to understand the original cultural context of the passage, verse or book.

agree strongly 46% 68% 46% 40% 16% 54% 41% agree somewhat 46 32 45 50 66 37 50 disagree somewhat 7 0 7 8 19 9 7 strongly disagree 1 0 2 2 0 1 3 single verses can stand alone and be useful

agree strongly 44 54 48 36 21 51 46 agree somewhat 47 40 44 50 65 39 47 disagree somewhat 8 4 8 10 12 9 7 strongly disagree 1 1 0 3 2 0 0 it's important to understand the original intention of the Bible’s writers

agree strongly 43 73 42 36 13 53 34 agree somewhat 45 22 47 53 55 39 53 disagree somewhat 10 3 10 10 30 7 12 strongly disagree 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 verses should never be taken out of context

agree strongly 34 53 40 18 17 56 28 agree somewhat 44 36 42 47 68 35 47 disagree somewhat 19 8 17 29 12 9 23 strongly disagree 3 3 1 6 2 0 2

n= 568 86 289 158 34* 120 169 * Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table C | Bible Translation and Interpretation (cont’d)


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

all Scripture must be read with some kind of guidance to understand what it really means

agree strongly 33% 47% 40% 19% 8% 45% 37% agree somewhat 47 34 44 56 57 42 45 disagree somewhat 17 15 15 21 31 12 16 strongly disagree 3 4 1 5 4 1 1 the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life

agree strongly 32 81 49 14 5 57 44 agree somewhat 29 17 39 36 11 38 40 disagree somewhat 21 1 10 31 35 4 14 strongly disagree 18 1 2 19 49 1 2 the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves

agree strongly 30 55 39 26 7 43 37 agree somewhat 40 29 40 48 35 35 43 disagree somewhat 18 8 13 18 29 8 15 strongly disagree 13 9 8 7 29 14 4 some translations are problematic because they don’t reflect the original intent of the writers


n= 571 85 288 163 34* 120 168 * Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table C | Bible Translation and Interpretation (cont’d)


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral antag-onistic


Bible friendly:

light

Bible translations don’t affect the truth of the Bible agree strongly 22% 40% 23% 12% 17% 28% 19% agree somewhat 37 32 41 38 19 39 42 disagree somewhat 30 17 27 36 50 20 33 strongly disagree 11 11 9 14 15 13 7 the Bible is only truly accurate in its original languages

agree strongly 21 42 19 15 20 25 15 agree somewhat 38 25 40 41 36 38 41 disagree somewhat 28 16 30 30 33 24 35 strongly disagree 13 17 11 14 11 13 9 the Bible can only be correctly interpreted by people who have years of intense training in theology


n= 571 86 289 158 34* 120 169 *Caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table D | Reading the Bible in Public What do you think when you see someone reading the Bible in public?

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

I am happy to see other Christians around. 29% 61% 44% 23% 2% 56% 36% I feel encouraged. 29 50 46 19 4 56 40 I feel joyful 27 50 44 18 3 53 39 I feel grateful to see that sacred books are still important to people. 26 43 36 24 5 35 37 It reminds me to read my own Bible. 24 43 39 17 2 43 36 I feel like they are a kindred spirit. 18 38 25 15 4 25 25 I assume the person is politically conservative. 15 15 13 15 17 13 14 I feel like stopping and saying hello. 12 21 17 10 3 23 14 I suspect the person is trying to make a statement or be provocative. 12 20 10 11 14 7 11 I think the person is old-fashioned. 12 7 7 15 18 4 8 I figure I don’t have anything in common with the person. 12 8 7 7 24 9 7 I feel curious about what’s in the Bible. 11 11 16 9 6 17 15 I think they should read the Bible in private. 10 9 10 10 12 14 7 I think the person is naïve. 8 15 5 5 14 6 5 I feel uncomfortable. 8 3 6 9 14 2 8 I get embarrassed for them. 6 14 6 4 7 7 5 I feel guilty. 6 14 9 4 1 8 10 none of these 19 2 9 23 37 4 12

n= 998 100 379 268 250 139 240

BARNA GROUP


Table E | Main Messages of the Bible What would you say are the two or three main messages of the Bible? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

There is only one God. 39% 49% 46% 37% 26% 51% 44% Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 35 22 23 54 37 15 27 Humans are sinful and require forgiveness and redemption. 32 29 33 29 37 29 35 Jesus is the only way to eternal life. 28 54 37 15 18 47 31 God helps those who help themselves. 25 26 24 31 17 24 25 You can discover freedom, hope, and joy. 24 30 21 29 19 19 22 Humans need God. 23 20 30 21 15 30 30 This is how you can live well and obey God. 21 18 24 19 18 24 24 Here is the way to get to heaven. 17 23 20 12 16 24 17 other 4 1 0 2 12 0 0

n= 997 100 378 270 248 139 239

BARNA GROUP


Table F | Engagement with Bible Thinking about your Bible reading in the past month, how did you usually engage with the Bible?

% among Bible readers who read the Bible at least once a month

all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

read it by myself most 54% 71% 48% 43% NA 49% 46% some 30 22 36 26 NA 37 32 a little 12 2 14 22 NA 11 20 none 4 5 2 9 NA 3 2 heard it read out loud at church most 41 50 40 30 NA 40 41 some 36 33 41 30 NA 43 35 a little 13 10 12 20 NA 11 15 none 10 7 7 20 NA 6 8 prayed about what I read most 33 46 33 12 NA 35 28 some 39 36 44 30 NA 48 35 a little 18 12 17 36 NA 12 29 none 10 6 6 22 NA 5 8 discussed it with friends or family most 31 46 28 19 NA 30 25 some 34 30 38 24 NA 39 36 a little 26 17 27 36 NA 26 31 none 9 7 6 21 NA 5 8 read it with a devotional most 29 38 26 24 NA 29 20 some 37 37 42 17 NA 43 42 a little 16 11 17 20 NA 14 22 none 19 14 15 39 NA 14 16

n= 354 98 196 52 9 136 59 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table F | Engagement with Bible (cont’d)


all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

made notes or underlined verses most 28% 43% 23% 25% NA 25% 19% some 36 33 42 20 NA 45 34 a little 18 9 22 19 NA 18 30 none 18 15 14 37 NA 12 17 as part of a one-year plan to read full Bible

most 27 42 21 23 NA 19 27 some 31 32 36 15 NA 39 27 a little 19 8 23 21 NA 22 24 none 24 18 20 41 NA 20 22 read it in conjunction with a liturgy or prayer

most 27 40 24 14 NA 24 24 some 36 27 43 31 NA 46 36 a little 15 12 16 17 NA 13 23 none 22 20 17 38 NA 17 18 memorized Scripture most 26 39 25 8 NA 26 22 some 35 29 39 34 NA 40 38 a little 22 17 23 26 NA 21 28 none 17 16 13 32 NA 13 13 read it with a commentary or Bible resource

most 24 38 19 20 NA 18 20 some 40 36 46 30 NA 49 40 a little 11 6 15 7 NA 14 17 none 25 20 20 43 NA 19 22


BARNA GROUP


Table F | Engagement with Bible (cont’d)


all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

with a small group most 21% 31% 19% 9% NA 22% 14% some 35 42 36 22 NA 37 34 a little 21 9 26 27 NA 25 28 none 23 17 18 42 NA 16 24


Table G | Changes to Bible Usage Would you say that your own personal use of the Bible has increased, decreased, or is about the same as one year ago?

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

stayed the same 55% 23% 43% 68% 69% 30% 51% increased 26 73 38 15 3 57 27 decreased 15 4 17 13 20 11 20 not sure 4 0 2 3 8 2 3

n= 1000 100 379 270 250 139 240

BARNA GROUP


Table H | Increase in Bible Engagement What do you think caused the increase in your Bible engagement? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

Base: personal use of the Bible has increased compared to one year ago

all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

I came to understand it as an important part of my faith journey. 41% 39% 40% 48% NA 38% 43% I saw how the Bible changed someone I know for the better. 31 35 32 22

NA 36 28

I had a significant change in my life (marriage, birth of a child, etc.). 29 26 33 21

NA 24 43

I downloaded the Bible onto my smartphone or tablet. 29 38 24 28

NA 29 19

I went to a church where the Bible became more accessible to me. 28 30 30 20

NA 26 35

A difficult experience in my life caused me to search the Bible for direction and answers 28 28 29 24

NA

29 29 I had a conversation with a Christian friend. 27 18 32 26

NA 31 34

I followed media conversations about religion and spirituality. 26 35 24 23

NA 30 17

I watched The Bible mini-series on television. 24 31 26 8

NA 29 22

I joined a group that used the Bible when they met. 22 28 25 6

NA 31 18

I listened to a church podcast/church streaming. 22 17 25 25

NA 26 24

Someone I know asked me to read the Bible with them. 19 24 18 15

NA 18 18

other 3 4 1 2 NA 1 1 not sure 4 4 3 5 NA 2 3

n= 264 73 143 41 7* 79 64 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table I | Decrease in Bible Engagement What do you think caused the decrease in your Bible engagement? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

Base: personal use of the Bible has decreased compared to one year ago

all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

I got too busy with life’s responsibilities (job, family, etc.) 39% NA 51% 43% 14% NA 50%

I became atheist or agnostic. 21 NA 10 9 46 NA 8 I had a significant change in my life (loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc.)

18 NA 23 10 14 NA 24

A difficult experience in my life caused me to doubt my faith (or God and the Bible).

13 NA 19 5 11 NA 15

I decided to leave the church altogether. 13 NA 10 12 17 NA 10

I saw how reading the Bible made very little difference in the life of someone I know.

9 NA 9 6 10 NA 5

I converted to another faith. 8 NA 5 6 15 NA 7 I followed media discussions around religion and spirituality. 8 NA 10 2 8 NA 6

I had conversation with a non-Christian friend. 7 NA 10 3 6 NA 6

other 8 NA 2 9 16 NA 3 not sure 11 NA 8 19 11 NA 8

n= 152 4 63 36** 49 16 47 * NA: data not show due to limited sample size ** caution: small sample size

Table J | Desire to Read the Bible More Do you wish that you read the Bible more or not?

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

yes 54% 94% 81% 44% 8% 89% 77% no 34 4 10 37 79 7 11 not sure 12 1 9 19 13 4 12

n= 996 100 378 268 248 139 239

BARNA GROUP


Table K | Frustration with Bible Reading Which of the following would you say is your most significant frustration when it comes to reading the Bible?

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

You never seem to have enough time to read it. 19% 24% 26% 21% 4% 33% 22% You do not read the Bible. 19 0 3 19 51 0 5 You don’t feel that excited about reading it. 15 14 16 17 14 11 19 You find the language difficult to relate to. 13 25 15 12 6 9 19 You don’t understand the background or the history of the Bible. 9 10 13 12 1 14 13 You can never find the stories or verses you are looking for. 4 3 5 4 2 6 4 none / no frustrations 3 2 2 4 5 1 2 other 17 23 20 11 18 27 16

n= 998 100 377 270 249 139 238

BARNA GROUP


Table L | Reasons for Bible Reading Below are a few reasons that people may read the Bible. Please indicate which statement is most true for you. I read the Bible because . . .


all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

It brings me closer to God. 32% 36% 34% 30% NA 37% 29% I need comfort. 14 9 17 13 NA 13 23 I live better when I read it. 12 9 13 16 NA 14 12 It changes me personally. 11 21 8 10 NA 9 7 I know I’m supposed to. 9 8 10 7 NA 13 6 My day is different when I read the Bible. 7 12 6 3 NA 4 8

I have a problem I need to solve or I need direction. 5 1 5 9 NA 3 7

It is part of my studies at school. 3 2 4 4 NA 4 4 don’t know 3 2 2 6 NA 2 1 none of these 3 0 1 2 NA 1 1

n= 440 100 244 75 20 139 105 NA: not shown due to limited sample size.

BARNA GROUP


Table M | Approaches to Reading the Bible When you read the Bible, how often do you use the following approaches?


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

in search of a specific verse or verses

often 32% 47% 32% 29% 13% 43% 25% sometimes 42 42 46 39 29 45 46 rarely 15 4 16 19 23 9 20 never 11 6 6 14 34 3 8 as you feel led by the Spirit often 30 45 33 22 6 41 28 sometimes 35 37 40 32 14 41 38 rarely 16 10 16 21 15 13 19 never 19 7 11 25 65 5 15

one book at a time often 29 61 28 18 11 35 23 sometimes 37 27 45 34 21 49 43 rarely 19 6 18 29 19 12 21 never 15 6 9 19 49 4 13 from front to back often 28 56 29 14 15 32 26 sometimes 30 20 34 32 18 38 31 rarely 21 13 23 27 13 20 24 never 21 11 15 27 53 9 18 with a devotional often 22 49 21 17 1 26 18 sometimes 37 35 46 31 7 52 42 rarely 21 8 21 26 24 14 26 never 20 7 12 26 67 8 15

n= 671 100 337 166 65 137 200

BARNA GROUP


Table M | Approaches to Reading the Bible (cont’d)


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

chronologically often 21% 39% 21% 14% 11% 28% 17% sometimes 38 37 42 34 25 46 39 rarely 22 13 24 28 16 17 28 never 19 11 13 24 48 9 16 as part of a guided plan (like a one-year plan)

often 21 46 20 14 0 25 17 sometimes 31 28 37 28 7 43 34 rarely 23 14 25 24 26 21 27 never 26 12 17 34 67 11 22

n= 671 100 337 166 65 137 200

Table N | Posting Bible Verses on Social Media How often do you quote or post Scripture online (on a blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.)?


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

never 41% 14% 32% 61% 86% 22% 39% a few times a year 26 21 32 23 4 24 37 a few times a month 17 16 21 13 5 28 17 a few times a week 9 23 11 1 0 21 4 daily or more often 7 26 4 2 5 6 3

n= 573 86 290 163 34* 120 170 * caution: small sample size

BARNA GROUP


Table O | Impressions of Others Quoting the Bible on Social Media What do you think when you see other people quote Scripture in their social media or blogs? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)

all

Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

I think it’s okay sometimes if you are religious. 29% 15% 24% 37% 32% 23% 25%

It encourages me. 27 41 41 22 3 47 38 It inspires me. 27 42 43 22 3 47 40 It’s fine when verses are used in context. 27 23 27 33 21 27 28

It bothers me if they use verses naively or out of context. 25 22 19 27 34 20 18

I think it’s bold (in a good way). 22 27 32 18 9 34 30 I find it irritating. 18 18 8 17 35 7 9 They are trying to evangelize. 17 34 14 15 17 16 12 They are judgmental. 15 16 12 11 26 16 9 They will push others away. 13 16 10 10 20 10 10 I think that person is wrong. 8 15 8 5 10 6 9 That person is strange. 8 10 8 6 9 9 8

n= 991 100 376 267 247 138 238

BARNA GROUP


Table P | Resources for Understanding the Bible What do you do when you read something in the Bible that you don’t understand or don’t agree with? (MULTIPLE RESPONSE)


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

I do research on the passage in commentaries or study guides. 32% 37% 31% 29% 33% 37% 26%

I pray about it. 31 53 34 17 13 44 27 I ask a pastor or church leader. 28 35 33 20 9 42 27 I go online to read what other people think about those passages. 24 23 24 27 16 28 20

I ignore it or move on. 20 18 18 22 32 12 21 I don’t feel like I have to believe every part of the Bible. 19 11 13 31 34 6 18

I don’t have to understand everything, so I accept it as true. 16 20 19 14 0 20 18

It makes me doubt God. 10 16 9 8 9 9 9 n= 679 100 344 169 65 139 205

Table Q | Bible Reading Compared to Other Spiritual Disciplines How important is personal Bible reading compared to the following spiritual disciplines?


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

church attendance more 38% 57% 42% 25% 22% 52% 35% less 22 11 20 28 26 13 25 equal 40 33 38 46 52 35 39 silence / solitude more 37 56 39 28 19 46 35 less 26 15 26 30 33 24 28 equal 37 28 34 42 48 31 37

n= 669 98 340 165 65 137 203

BARNA GROUP


Table Q | Bible Reading Compared to Other Spiritual Disciplines (cont’d)


Millennials Bible

engaged Bible

friendly Bible

neutral Bible

skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

prayer more 37% 47% 44% 24% 18% 47% 42% less 19 16 16 21 34 14 17 equal 44 37 40 55 48 39 41

worship more 36 52 41 27 12 45 38 less 20 8 20 19 36 14 25 equal 44 40 39 54 52 40 37 acts of service more 35 56 37 26 17 42 33 less 25 10 24 32 41 19 27 equal 40 35 39 43 43 40 39

communion or Eucharist more 35 58 35 30 15 36 34 less 27 11 28 29 36 29 27 equal 38 30 37 41 49 36 39 evangelism more 32 51 30 31 17 36 26 less 28 18 28 30 34 22 33 equal 40 31 41 39 49 43 41

n= 669 97 342 163 65 137 205

BARNA GROUP


Table R | Religious Activities in Past Week Now I'm going to list some activities. Please tell me which, if any, of these activities you have done during the past week.


all Millennials

Bible engaged

Bible friendly

Bible neutral

Bible skeptics


Bible friendly:

light

pray to God 62% 98% 86% 59% 14% 97% 79% read from the Bible, not including when you were at a church or synagogue

37 92 51 25 4 83 33

attend a church service, not including a special event such as a wedding or funeral

36 79 53 24 5 76 40

n= 1000 100 379 270 250 139 240

BARNA GROUP


APPENDIX II: ADDITIONAL DATA TABLES

Table A | Belief Segments

all

Millennials



ever made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in your life today

50% 87% 92% 82% 57% 17%

When you die you will go to Heaven because you have confessed your sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior. (among those who made a personal commitment to Jesus)

44 45 62 20 47 26

Born again* 22 39 57 17 27 4 n= 1000 219 99 54 434 347

*In order to be classified as born again, respondents must say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life and believe they will go to Heaven because they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus (out of six options presented on life after death).

all


State of the Bible

Study

ever made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in your life today

50% 92% 62%%

When you die you will go to Heaven because you have confessed your sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior (among those who made a personal commitment to Jesus)

44 95 59

Born again* 22 87 36 n= 1000 1347 1012

*In order to be classified as born again, respondents must say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life and believe they will go to Heaven because they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus (out of six options presented on life after death).

BARNA GROUP


Table B | Faith Beliefs The following is a list of statements about people’s beliefs. People have a variety of beliefs on these matters, so please indicate whether you, personally, agree or disagree with each statement, no matter what you think other people may believe.

all

Millennials



your religious faith is very important in your life today*

agree strongly 35% 100% 100% 100% 18% 14% agree somewhat 32 0 0 0 59 17 disagree somewhat 16 0 0 0 20 21 disagree strongly 18 0 0 0 3 48 when He lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins, like other people

agree strongly 30 42 33 59 26 27 agree somewhat 33 18 12 12 41 33 disagree somewhat 16 10 10 15 17 18 disagree strongly 21 30 45 15 16 21 the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches

agree strongly 29 67 71 68 26 9 agree somewhat 27 26 22 25 40 12 disagree somewhat 22 7 8 7 23 31 disagree strongly 21 0 0 1 11 47 if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn Heaven

agree strongly 29 41 30 60 31 17 agree somewhat 39 31 24 37 46 36 disagree somewhat 15 4 4 2 15 22 disagree strongly 17 23 42 0 9 24

n= 995 218 98 54 431 343 *Note: This question is part of the definition of practicing Christian.

BARNA GROUP


Table B | Faith Beliefs (cont’d)

all

Millennials



the devil, or Satan, is not a living being but is a symbol of evil

agree strongly 27% 39% 33% 48% 24% 24% agree somewhat 37 22 15 32 42 40 disagree somewhat 18 15 14 12 21 17 disagree strongly 18 24 38 8 13 19 you, personally, have a responsibility to tell other people your religious beliefs

agree strongly 22 58 62 56 15 9 agree somewhat 29 35 34 36 38 14 disagree somewhat 21 5 3 6 28 22 disagree strongly 28 2 1 2 19 56

n= 995 218 98 54 431 343

all

Millennials InterVarsity U.S. adults

your religious faith is very important in your life today

agree strongly 35% 89% 54% agree somewhat 32 10 23 disagree somewhat 16 1 10 disagree strongly 18 * 13 when He lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins, like other people

agree strongly 30 3 20 agree somewhat 33 4 28 disagree somewhat 16 6 13 disagree strongly 21 87 39

n= 995 1311 1865 *Indicates less than one-half of one percent

BARNA GROUP


Table B | Faith Beliefs (cont’d)

all


if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn Heaven

agree strongly 29% 3% 26% agree somewhat 39 8 30 disagree somewhat 15 13 14 disagree strongly 17 76 29 the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches

agree strongly 29 71 34 agree somewhat 27 21 22 disagree somewhat 22 6 28 disagree strongly 21 2 22 the devil, or Satan, is not a living being but is a symbol of evil

agree strongly 27 4 30 agree somewhat 37 10 29 disagree somewhat 18 21 14 disagree strongly 18 66 26 you, personally, have a responsibility to tell other people your religious beliefs

agree strongly 22 59 24 agree somewhat 29 32 21 disagree somewhat 21 7 21 disagree strongly 28 3 34

n= 995 1311 1865

BARNA GROUP


Table C | Bible Engagement*

all

Millennials



Bible engaged 10% 26% 35% 21% 7% 4% Bible friendly 38 60 56 64 47 13 Bible neutral 27 13 10 15 35 26 Bible skeptical 25 1 0 0 11 58 Bible friendly: medium engagement 14 36 36 30 12 3 Bible friendly: light engagement 24 24 19 34 35 10

n= 998 218 99 53 433 347

all

Millennials InterVarsity State of the

Bible

Bible engaged 10% 44% 19% Bible friendly 38 46 37 Bible neutral 27 9 26 Bible skeptical 25 1 19 Bible friendly: medium engagement 14 36 14 Bible friendly: light engagement 24 10 23

n= 998 1347 2015

BARNA GROUP


Table D | Demographic Profile

all


gender

male 49% 38% 49% female 51 62 51

education completed high school or less 26 NA 42 some college 32 NA 29 college graduate 43 NA 30 children under 18 in household yes 43 NA 32 no 57 NA 68

marital status married 34 17 49 single, never married 54 82 28 all non-married 12 83 23 ethnicity white 57 72 69 African-American / black 15 8 12 Hispanic / Latino 17 6 5 all non-white 42 28 31

region Northeast 26 25 22 Midwest 23 38 21 South 25 18 33 West 26 19 24

income <$35K 32 NA 28 $35K to $75K 37 NA 37 $75K 31 NA 35

n= 1000 1350 2036

BARNA GROUP


Table D: Demographic Profile (cont’d)

all


registered to vote

yes 72% NA 82% no 29 NA 19

party identification

Republican 23 NA 28 Democrat 44 NA 38 Independent 31 NA 27 other party 2 NA 1

n= 1000 1350 2036

BARNA GROUP


Table E | Theolographic Profile

all


denominational segment self-id Christian 67% NA 78% Protestant 27 95 41 Catholic 18 5 21 Protestant, mainline 8 21 13 Protestant, non-mainline 19 62 29 Non-Christian 33 NA 22

faith segments*

evangelical 2 38 6 non-evangelical born again 20 49 30 notional 45 13 44 other faith 14 NA 7 atheist / agnostic 20 NA 13

church attendance

once a week or more 36 76 36 monthly, not weekly 7 16 10 within the past 6 months 9 5 7 not within the past 6 months 47 3 47

n= 1000 1350 2036

BARNA GROUP


RESEARCH DEFINITIONS

Practicing Faith Segments Practicing Christians describe themselves as Christians who attend church at least once a month and say their religious faith is very important in their life today.

Practicing Protestants meet the criteria for practicing Christian and most frequently attend a church associated with a Protestant denomination.

Practicing Catholics meet the criteria for practicing Christian and most frequently attend a Catholic church.

Non-Practicing Christians describe themselves as Christian but do not meet the criteria for practicing Christians.

Non-Christians align themselves with a faith other than Christianity or with no faith at all.

Faith Segments Born-again Christians are defined in these surveys as people who say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today and who also believe that when they die they will go to Heaven because they have received by faith God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as born again. Being classified as born again is not dependent on church or denominational affiliation or involvement.

Evangelicals are a subset of born-again Christians. In addition to meeting the born-again criteria, evangelicals also meet six other conditions. These include saying their faith is very important in their life today; contending that they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; stating that Satan exists; maintaining that eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; asserting that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and saying the Bible is totally accurate in all it teaches. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as evangelical. Being classified as evangelical is not dependent on any church or denominational affiliation or involvement.

Non-evangelical born again adults meet the criteria for born again but do not meet the criteria for evangelical.

Notionals consider themselves to be Christian but do not meet criteria for born gain.

“Other faith” includes those who profess faiths other than Christianity.

Atheists / Agnostics include adults who self-identify as atheist or agnostic or no faith.

BARNA GROUP


Denominational Segments Mainline Protestants say they attend one of the following denominations: United Church of Christ, American Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian Church USA, Lutheran or United Methodist.

Non-Mainline Protestants attend a church not covered in the Mainline category above. Major groups include Adventist, Assembly of God, Baptist (various types), Church of God, Evangelical, Nazarene, non-denominational churches, Pentecostal, Wesleyan and so on.

Geographic Regions Northeast: residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, DC, and Vermont

South: residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and Virginia

Midwest: residents of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin

West: residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii

Bible Engagement Segments Bible engaged: believe the Bible is the actual word of God or the inspired word of God with no errors and read the Bible at least 4 times each week OR believe the Bible is the inspired word but has some factual errors and read the Bible daily.

Bible friendly: believe the Bible is the actual word of God or the inspired word of God with no errors and read the Bible less than 4 times each week.

Bible neutral: believe the Bible is the inspired word with factual errors or that it was not inspired but tells how writers understood the ways of God.

Bible skeptic: believe the Bible is just another book of good teachings written by men with stories and advice.

Bible engagement - medium: A subset of Bible friendly, meets criteria for Bible friendly, read the Bible once a week to several times a week

Bible engagement - light: a subset of Bible friendly, meets criteria for Bible friendly, read the Bible less than once a week

BARNA GROUP


METHODOLOGY

MillennialPollSM included 1,000 online surveys conducted among a representative sample of young adults ages 18 through 30 in the United States. The survey was conducted from August 18 through August 22, 2014. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level.

American Bible Society’s State of the Bible study, which included 1,012 telephone interviews and 1,024 online surveys, was conducted with adults ages 18 or older in the US from January 8 to February 5, 2014. Data for core questions included in both the telephone and online studies was aggregated. The sampling error for the combined data (n=2,036) is plus or minus 2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

The InterVarsity study included 1,350 online interviews conducted from October 18 through November 20, 2013. The sampling error for the data in the aggregate is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level.

Minimal statistical weighting was used to calibrate the sample to known population percentages in relation to demographic variables.

BARNA GROUP


GUIDE TO SURVEY DATA

Do you remember reading the results of a survey and noticing the fine print that says that the results are accurate within plus or minus three percentage points (or some similar number)? That figure refers to the “range of sampling error.” The range of sampling error indicates the accuracy of the results and is dependent upon two factors: 1) the sample size and 2) the degree to which the result you are examining is close to 50 percent or the extremes, 0 percent and 100 percent.

You can estimate the accuracy of your survey results using the table below. First, find the column heading that is closest to your sample size. Next, find the row whose label is closest to the response percentages observed for a particular question from your survey. The intersection of the row and column displays the number of percentage points that need to be added to, and subtracted from, the observed result to obtain the range of error. There is a 95 percent chance that the true percentage of the group being sampled is in that range.

SAMPLE SIZE Result 100 200 300 400 500 600 800 1000 1200 1500 2000 2500 05% or 95% 4.4 3.1 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.1 .96 .87 10% or 90% 6.0 4.3 3.5 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.1 1.0 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.2 15% or 85% 7.1 5.1 4.1 3.6 3.2 2.9 2.5 2.3 2.1 1.9 1.6 1.4 20% or 80% 8.0 5.7 4.6 4.0 3.6 3.3 2.6 2.5 2.3 2.1 1.8 1.6 25% or 75% 8.7 6.1 5.0 4.3 3.9 3.6 3.0 2.8 2.5 2.3 1.9 1.7 30% or 70% 9.2 6.5 5.3 4.6 4.1 3.8 3.2 2.8 2.7 2.4 2.0 1.8 35% or 65% 9.5 6.8 5.5 4.8 4.3 3.9 3.3 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.1 1.9 40% or 60% 9.8 7.0 5.7 4.9 4.4 4.0 3.4 3.1 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.0 45% or 55% 9.9 7.0 5.8 5.0 4.5 4.1 3.5 3.2 2.9 2.6 2.2 2.0 50% 10.0 7.1 5.8 5.0 4.5 4.1 3.5 3.2 2.9 2.6 2.2 2.0

Note that the above statistics only relate to the sampling accuracy of survey results. When comparing the results of two subgroups (e.g., men versus women), a different procedure is followed and usually requires a greater sample size. Further, there is a range of other errors that may influence survey results (e.g. biased question wording, inaccurate data tabulation) -- errors whose influence cannot be statistically estimated.

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